In this Orvis Battenkill reel review, we will look at the drag, weight, and cost of this iconic fly reel to see if it is worth the money. It is a well-priced, ultralight, large arbor fly reel with a fantastic design and a lifetime warranty.
The Battenkill is based on the original fly design that’s been popular for decades. So we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it and review it for you, to see if it’s worth the money.
Curious to find out if you should buy yourself an Orvis Battenkill fly reel? How does it compare against the slicker disc drag fly reels on the market today? Read on to find out the answers in our detailed review of the Orvis Battenkill.
Orvis Battenkill Specs:
| Available Size: 1 – 3 | Overall Weight: 2.8 – 3.2oz |
| Arbor Size: Large | Material: Bar Stock Aluminum |
| Spool Diameter: 2.75 – 3.25in | Colors: Black |
| Spool Capacity: 100 – 150yds | Warranty: Orvis Lifetime Warranty |
| Drag Type: Click-Pawl | Country of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Orvis Battenkill Reel Review
The Battenkill by Orvis is a four-position click-and-pawl fly reel with internal adjustments. If you’re looking for a classic yet technically advanced drag system, that’s exactly what this Orvis reel provides. What’s more, this reel won’t break the bank. It costs between $98-119, making it perfect for beginner fly fishers or anyone on a tight budget.
This fly reel comes in 5 different models from I through to V, which are suitable for any fishing setup from 1wt up to 11-weight rods. So, you can find the perfect reel for anything from ultralight fishing on small streams to spey fishing for trophy-size fish!
The Battenkill I is best for ultralight tackle, while the Battenkill II is superb for fly fishing on smaller rivers and streams, making it a great choice for those wily wild trout. The next model up, the Battenkill III, has more backbone and can handle larger trout, bass, and other freshwater fish. But if you’re into Spey fishing or thrive on catching trophy-size fish, the Battenkill IV or V might be the best bet for you!
The Battenkill also boasts a sealed drag, making it very durable and hardwearing. You won’t need to worry about sand, grit, or water getting inside the mechanism and causing it to seize up or rust.
Now, let’s get into the features and benefits (and any downsides) of the Battenkill in the next section of our fly reel review!
Construction
In this section of our review, we’ll take a close look at the build and construction of this Orvis reel. So how does it fare?
The Battenkill is made from heavy-duty 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum, which is exceptionally durable. The machining looks neat with careful attention to detail, for an excellent finished product. It’s also anodized for extra durability and protection from rust, while the drilled porting ensures a lightweight.
This model has a standard arbor (sorry, large arbor fans) and a narrower spool. The benefit of the narrow spool is that you get reduced line stacking for a better experience out on the water. And while the Battenkill holds a fair amount of backing, it’s not got the largest capacity compared to many other reels on the market today. But what does stand out are the super-fast retrieval rates, thanks to the increased spoo